Preventing FOG buildup from blocking sewer lines will stop sewer overflows into yards, streets and storm drains. Your tax dollars will not have to be spent on costly cleanups of sewage spills and regulatory fines. Also, the quality of your water will be protected.

A grease trap is a tank that is installed between a business’ sewer line and the public sewer main. Its purpose is to hold the waste water long enough for the FOG to rise to the top and solidify and for the solid particles to settle to the bottom, allowing only water to enter the collection system.

Some grease traps are large tanks buried under ground that hold thousands of gallons. Others contain less than 50 gallons and are located immediately beneath kitchen sinks. Regardless of size, all grease traps require cleaning to remove the top layer of FOG and the bottom layer of sediment. Large tanks are cleaned by commercial operations that must also show proper waste disposal per state requirements. Small grease traps can be cleaned by the business owner but each cleaning must be logged and the log provided upon inspection.

The good news – If you are already pumping grease regularly and have trip manifest records onsite, nothing. You are already in compliance and it will be business as usual. Otherwise, it is now a requirement that you install and regularly maintain a grease trap. The City of Hamilton will be doing random inspections. Businesses that are found to be in violation of the ordinance will be given an opportunity for voluntary compliance. Repeated failure to comply will result in fines being issued.